Perceived impact of small-sized bottles of sugar-sweetened beverages on consumption: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

Background: Consumption of sugar-sweetened-beverages (SSB) increases energy intake and the risk of obesity. Our Cochrane systematic review has previously reported that large packages increase the risk of overconsumption, implying that smaller bottle sizes may help to curb consumption of SSBs. This qualitative study explores the experiences of consuming SSBs in different bottle sizes among participants in a feasibility trial assessing the impact of bottle size on in-home SSB consumption. Methods: Sixteen households in Cambridge, UK received a set amount of cola each week for four weeks (in modest excess of their typical weekly purchasing), in bottles of one of four sizes: 1500ml, 1000ml, 500ml, or 250ml, in random order. At the end of the study, household representatives were interviewed about their experiences of using each bottle size. Interviews were semi-structured and data analysed using the Framework approach. Findings: Preliminary analysis revealed clear differences in perceptions of the different bottle sizes. Consumption rate and amount were perceived to be higher with smaller bottles. The 250ml bottles were considered as facilitating both in and out-of-home consumption by allowing consumption directly from the bottle, thus minimising effort, and being more portable. Smaller bottle sizes were perceived to increase the frequency of consumption and encourage consumption of more than one bottle at each drinking occasion. Discussion: These findings raise the possibility that smaller bottle sizes may not reduce intake and reinforce the need for empirical evidence of the effect of bottle sizes on consumption of SSBs.